FCP on OS: Blue Jays Go All In
Reyes will be the table setter for Jose Bautista and Edwin Encarnacion in 2013.
A year ago, the Miami Marlins were supposedly beginning a new era. They just completed the construction of a publicly financed ballpark. Their return gesture was to double their payroll and sign a slew of free agents including Jose Reyes and Mark Buehrle. A year later, they are spitting in the face of their fan base, completing the dismantling of their team and, more importantly, the completion of dumping every big salary they had. Now, the Marlins will enter the 2013 season with the lowest payroll in the sport and the distinction of having been eliminated from the playoff race on Opening Day. Assuming the trade is approved–and it will be approved–the Marlins latest salary dump has made the American League East even more competitive.
The story of the 2013 Marlins is important, but that is a story for another day. This trade is all about the Toronto Blue Jays. In one night, the Blue Jays have acquired one of the best shortstops and leadoff hitters in Major League Baseball, a veteran starter who has pitched at least 201 inning in each of the last 12 years, a legitimate top of the rotation starter who is entering his final season before hitting the free agent market, and two good bench pieces. In short, the Toronto Blue Jays have helped fill most of their holes in just one deal.
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Category: FCP on OS
I jumped ugly on the Marlins when I first read about the deal. I’m not as horrified after I read the names of all the players involved. The Marlins are actually getting some potential talent back and Johnson isn’t the same pitcher, Buehrle is average, and Reyes in Canada, on that turf??? Can you say D.L.?
I see those points…a lot. But, I like that the Jays are actually going for it. Think Johnson has a good season in him before free agency. Got through last year healthy after surgery. I’d bet on Reyes being good there, at least for two years.